| What to expect: More like a tranquil residential community than a busy resort, this place is ideal for a restful getaway. Privacy is ensured by the spaciousness of the grounds surrounding the low, wooden, plantation-style buildings. Amenity highlights: A half-mile path following a greenbelt through the 315-unit resort leads to two beaches. To the west is famed Poipu Beach, considered one of the best beaches in the United States. The S-shaped beach's lower loop is protected by a man-made reef, so the water is calm. The upper loop offers surfing/boogie boarding. In between, there's great snorkeling among lava rocks around a small sand inlet. To the east is Shipwreck Beach for surfing and beach walking. Insider tip: A mile away, the pretty one-story Poipu Shopping Village presents free Polynesian music-and-dance shows twice weekly. |